Plans to condemn land around Solberg Airport delayed

Plans to begin the condemnation next month of hundreds of acres of land around Solberg Airport in Hunterdon County are on hold, pending an appeal.

The family owners of the Readington Township airport, who have accused local officials of seeking the condemnation to stop the airport's ability to expand, must submit their argument in a brief to the appellate division by May 15, according to a lawyer for the town.

Efforts began in 2006 to condemn 624 acres of the 726-acre airport for use as open space and to take the development rights of the airport property.

The Solberg family protested and took the matter to court, claiming that losing the property ultimately would threaten the future operation of the airport.

The township, however, argued the family could continue with the business, and even have the ability to modernize. Judge Yolanda Ciccone, sitting in Somerville, ruled on the side of Readington in January.